Arsene Wenger has emphatically dismissed claims that he is in talks with AC Milan to become their new manager. The Frenchman has been heavily linked with the post amid speculation that high-ranking officials at the club are becoming tired with the lack of progress made under Gennaro Gattuso after a £130million summer spending spree.

Reports in France which surfaced this week appeared to consolidate those rumours with the leaders of the American investment fund – which owns the club – believed to be spearheading a move for Wenger to replace Gattuso at the helm.

The 69-year-old’s name has continually been linked with top European clubs, including Real Madrid after they sacked Julen Lopetegui last month, but he indicated on Tuesday that his return to management may not be imminent.

He added: ‘I cannot master the rumours, I can only master what I do in my life.

‘What I will do at the moment, I can not tell you because I don’t know. I will work next year again, where, honestly – you know I will tell you the truth – I don’t know.